NANKIN — No cause has been determined for an incident at Mapleton Schools that saw 43 confirmed students transported to seven regional hospitals in five counties after cases of headache, nausea and dizziness were reported.
Mapleton superintendent Scott Smith posted an update on the district’s Facebook page that detailed an investigation that has taken place in the nine days since that Aug. 29 incident.
“Despite an extensive investigation, no single cause for the illnesses has been identified,” Smith said in a conclusion statement.” Symptoms varied among students, and no environmental or mechanical issues were detected.
“Any new information will be reviewed, and families are encouraged to contact a Mapleton administrator if they have any additional information.
On Friday, Aug. 29 several students at Mapleton Middle School and Mapleton High School became ill inside the buildings, prompting a coordinated emergency response.
Below is the entire message posted by Smith on the Facebook page.
Return to normal operations
School operations, including academics and athletics, resumed on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, and the week concluded without incident.
By Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 attendance rates at all three Mapleton school buildings returned to normal levels.
Emergency response
Thirty-three representatives from the following organizations and departments convened to the Mapleton campus on Friday, Sept. 5 to share information and debrief the emergency response:
– Mapleton Local School District
– Ashland County Sheriff’s Office
– Nankin/Orange Township Fire Department
– Ashland County Emergency Management Agency
– Ashland County Health Department
– University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center
– Healthcare Alliance of Greater Ohio
– Savannah Fire Department
– Polk-Jackson-Perry Fire Department
– Ashland City Fire Department
– Sullivan Fire Department
– Firelands Ambulance Service
Investigation
In collaboration with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and the Ashland County Health Department, the district conducted a detailed review of:
– **Food service:** No irregularities were identified in preparation, storage, or distribution.
– **Water quality:** Samples were tested and showed no abnormalities.
– **Chemicals and cleaning products:** All products used by food service and custodial staff were properly stored, secured, and used in accordance with safety protocols.
– **Classroom activities:** Experiments, projects, and activities were reviewed for any potential hazards.
– **Deliveries:** The two deliveries to Mapleton High School that morning contained only routine items of paper supplies and clay.
– **General operations:** Other aspects of building operations, including custodial and food service practices, maintenance repairs, and student and staff routines on the morning of the incident were reviewed and found to be consistent with normal operations.
The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office determined no criminal activity was responsible for the illnesses after building searches, video review, and student, parent and staff interviews.
The Ashland County Health Department has not identified one single cause of the illnesses at this time, but ACHD’s epidemiologist will continue to monitor any new medical information that becomes available.
Columbia Gas along with Mapleton maintenance personnel and fire departments inspected the buildings on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 and again on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 and found no leaks and determined all gas appliances and equipment were in working order.
CCG Automation confirmed HVAC COâ‚‚ levels were normal on the morning of the incident after reviewing COâ‚‚ sensor data from all air handler units in Mapleton Middle School and Mapleton High School.
Next steps
The Mapleton Local School District will continue working closely with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, the Ashland County Emergency Management Agency, and the Nankin/Orange Township Fire Department to review and strengthen our Emergency Operations Plan.
In light of this incident, particular attention will be given to procedures and protocols related to building evacuation, relocation with student and staff attendance, and parent reunification.
Additionally, communication among district staff, students, parents, law enforcement, and first responders will be carefully evaluated, with improvements expected in procedures, protocols, technologies, and support services.